The Pap Smear test, also called a Pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal). The Pap Smear test can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, your doctor takes a sample of cells from your cervix to be tested and examined. A Pap Smear test is safe with no medical risks and a relatively cheap test to undertake.
Why is a Pap Smear test Performed?
A Pap Smear test can save your life. It can find the earliest signs of cervical pre-cancer. If diagnosed early, the chance of preventing cervical cancer is very high. Treatment can prevent most cases of cervical cancer from developing.
Getting regular Pap Smear test is the best thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer. In fact, regular Pap tests have led to a major decline in the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths.
It is important for all women to have annual Pap Smear test, along with pelvic examinations, as part of their routine health care.
21 years or older
Under 21 years old and have been sexually active for 3 years or more
There is no age limit for the Pap Smear test. Even women who have gone through menopause need regular Pap Smear test. Women aged 65 to 70 can talk to their doctor about stopping after at least 3 normal Pap tests and no abnormal results in the last 10 years.
Many things can cause wrong test results by washing away or hiding abnormal cells of the cervix.
So, doctors suggest that for 2 days before the test you avoid:
Douching
Using tampons
Using vaginal creams, suppositories, and medicines
Using vaginal deodorant sprays or powders
Having sex
Make sure to empty your bladder just before your examination for a more comfortable examination. Doctors suggest you to schedule a Pap test when you do not have your period. The best time to be tested is 10 to 20 days after the first day of your last period.
Your doctor can do a Pap test during a pelvic examination. It is a simple and quick test. While you lie on an examination table, the doctor puts an instrument, called a speculum, into your vagina, opening it to see the cervix.
The doctor performing the examination:
Looks for lumps, sores, inflammation, or other abnormalities of the external genitals..
Inserts a metal or plastic instrument called a speculum into the vagina.
Uses a small soft-bristled brush to get a sample of cells from the cervix.
This is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
A Pap Smear test is painless but may be embarrassing.
A Pap test result may be normal, unclear, abnormal, or unsatisfactory. HPV test results might be positive or negative. The HPV and Pap tests are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or detect it early.
Abnormal Pap Smear test results usually do not mean you have cancer. Most often there is a small problem with the cervix. Some abnormal cells will turn into cancer but most of the time these unhealthy cells will go away on their own. By treating these unhealthy cells, almost all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented. If you have abnormal results, then consult with your health care provider about what they mean.
Although every effort is made to educate you on PAP TEST and take control, there will be specific information that will not be discussed. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about any concerns you have about PAP TEST.
